Combining our efforts to protect victims of human trafficking

It goes without saying that this year has been one of the craziest in the history of Congress. Despite all the ups and downs and swings of momentum in moving the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act forward, one thing has remained constant: our advocates’ dedication to stand up and make their voices heard.

It’s safe to say that neither the House nor the Senate versions of this legislation would be where they are without those voices.

About the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA)

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act is the cornerstone of U.S. policies to fight modern-day slavery. The law expired on September 30 because Congress did not vote to reauthorize the law in time. As a result, U.S. efforts to combat trafficking are essentially on hold until the law is reauthorized.

Where the TVPRA stands today

Soon, the House of Representatives and the Senate will adjourn for the year. When they return, it will be the start of the presidential primaries, and during that period, we can expect little to happen on Capitol Hill.

As you may know, both the House and Senate versions of the bill last moved through their respective committees in October. Since then, they’ve been stuck in the political debates that consume the daily business of Congress. The Senate bill is closest to being passed. All it needs is a final vote by the entire Senate.

That’s why, from now until the end of the year (and especially over the next few days), we will focus all of our energy on passing the Senate version of the TVPRA. If the bill can pass the Senate, then hopefully the House version can move forward as well.

How you can help

From now until December 23, call both of your senators’ offices every day and ask them to support the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (S.1301). You need not know their names or phone numbers; our form can supply that information for you.

Once we get the Senate bill passed, we’ll turn all of our efforts to the House.

It’s time that the United States reclaims the mantle as the global leader in the fight against slavery. Let your senators know how much you care about ending child slavery.

Given our crazy political climate, the odds may seem impossible. But let’s never forget that our God is the God of the impossible. Let’s make the seemingly impossible possible and pass this bill! Call your senators now.

I think that in order to help fight human trafficking, we must make an effort to bring more awareness to the issue. Many people do not hear about human trafficking and it's not talked about in the media that much. I feel that activists and common people should educate friends, family, write article online or in newspapers, teach about this issue in schools, and in the media. We need more awareness! I also think that we should start to report suspicious activity when we see it because a lot of times people are afraid to take action or don't want to be involved.